A “national science fair” in Washington, D.C., hopes to help students persist on their pathways to STEM careers.
Grace van Deelen
Grace van Deelen, joined Eos in 2023 as a staff writer. She covers all things Earth science and is particularly interested in stories that highlight the intersection of society, the environment, and equity in science. Grace holds a master’s degree from MIT’s Graduate Program in Science Writing and bachelor’s degrees in biology and anthropology from Tufts University.
Trump Administration Plans to Fire More Than 1,000 EPA Scientists
The Trump Administration plans to fire more than 1,000 scientists in the EPA’s research arm. The layoffs are part of a “reduction in force” that comes after the agency already fired hundreds of probationary workers. (A federal judge has since ordered that these employees be reinstated, and though the administration has complied, most of the workers have been placed on administrative leave.)
EPA Moves to Rewrite Water Rules Following Sackett Decision
EPA administrator Lee Zeldin announced today that the agency would kick off a review of EPA rules and redefine “waters of the United States” to ensure that the agency aligns with the 2023 Supreme Court decision Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which limited the implementation of the Clean Water Act.
EPA Plans to Close Environmental Justice Offices, Leaving Communities to Face Pollution Alone
Yesterday, news broke that a memo from Lee Zeldin, the new administrator of the EPA, directed the agency to eliminate all offices that focus on environmental justice.
Funding Uncertainties Hit Undergrad REUs, Grad Admissions
A freeze, then a defrost, of National Science Foundation funding has caused turmoil among undergraduate scientists applying to graduate programs or REUs.
Two ROVs to Join the U.S. Academic Research Fleet
The midsize remotely operated vehicles, supported by federal grants, will help meet growing demand for submersible research vehicles.
Trump Boasts About Dismantling Environmental and Science Policy
President Trump’s address to Congress touted takedowns of Biden’s initiatives and encouraged fossil fuel expansion but did not acknowledge recent cuts to the federal workforce.
Federal Agency Availability Suffers in the Wake of Firings
Over the past couple of weeks, thousands of public servants working at federal agencies—NOAA, the National Weather Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Forest Services were terminated by the Trump Administration. Many were scientists: hydrologists, geologists, data scientists, modelers, and oceanographers. But many others were science communicators, responsible for sharing the work of their agencies with the American people.
We’re About to Reach the Paris Agreement Limit, If We Haven’t Already
Earth has probably already entered the 20-year period in which global temperatures will be, on average, 1.5°C (2.7°F) higher than preindustrial conditions.
U.S. Academic Research Fleet to Add Three Smaller, More Nimble Vessels
A dire lack of investment in oceangoing vessels means the U.S. ocean sciences community is lagging, scientists say. Three new vessels will play a part in building capabilities.
